Croatia makes Wanderlust’s best 26 places in 2026

Rovinj

Croatia has received a major international tourism boost after being included on The Good to Go List 2026, an annual selection compiled by Wanderlust, one of Britain’s oldest and most respected travel magazines.

The list showcases the most exciting destinations around the globe for the year ahead. Countries are chosen based on authentic travel experiences, a responsible approach to tourism and compelling local stories that appeal to modern travellers.

Croatia secured its place on the 2026 hotlist thanks to its remarkable history, rich cultural heritage and distinctive identity. Wanderlust praised the country for offering visitors much more than just a summer holiday, highlighting its year-round appeal.

“Being named among the best 26 destinations for 2026 is another confirmation of Croatia’s position as a tourism destination that offers more than just a trip,” said Bisera Fabrio, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board office in London.

“Croatia provides authentic experiences throughout the year, a strong connection with heritage and memories that tourists cherish for a long time. It is a great honour to receive recognition from the British market, whose guests view our country as a high-quality, safe and diverse destination,” Fabrio added.

She emphasised that inclusion on the Good to Go List 2026 further increases Croatia’s visibility on one of the key outbound markets for Croatian tourism.

In its dedicated feature on Croatia, Wanderlust underlined the nation’s deep roots in human and cultural development.

The magazine mentioned Krapina, home to Europe’s largest Neanderthal archaeological site, as well as the prehistoric Vučedol culture, which played an important role in early European civilisation.

The article also noted Croatia as the birthplace of the cravat, a globally recognised fashion accessory that originated in the country centuries ago.

Special attention was given to Istria, celebrated as a gastronomic hotspot. Wanderlust described the region as one of Europe’s most significant truffle areas, pointing to towns such as Motovun and Buzet, which host popular food festivals and culinary events.

Motovun

The recognition comes as Croatia continues to attract large numbers of British visitors. During 2025, UK guests generated more than 834,000 arrivals and 4.1 million overnight stays.

These figures matched the arrival numbers from 2024 and represented a 2 percent increase in nights spent.

British tourists most frequently stayed in the Dubrovnik-Neretva and Split-Dalmatia counties, while the leading destinations were Dubrovnik, Split, Konavle, Župa dubrovačka, Rovinj and Rovinj.

Alongside Croatia, Wanderlust’s 2026 list features a wide range of global destinations, including Japan, Australia, Jordan, Argentina, Angola, Portugal, Malta and Spain.

The inclusion of Croatia among such renowned travel names is yet another accolade from an influential foreign media outlet. It reinforces the country’s reputation as a destination known for authenticity, safety and unforgettable experiences.